The name Ranesfarte belongs to the early history of Britain, it's origins lie with the Anglo-Saxons. It is a product of their having lived in the chapelry of Rainford in the parish of Prescot in Lancashire. The surname Ranesfarte is a habitation name which forms a broad category of surnames that were derived from place-names. They were derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. In this case the surname Ranesfarte was originally derived from the Old English Regnaforde which refers to those individuals who lived by the ford. However, there is also evidence that the name in fact referred to Danish settlers, who came from Randers Fiord, Denmark.

Ranesfarte Early Origins

The surname Ranesfarte was first found in Lancashire where they were found since ancient times, perhaps even predating the Norman Conquest of England by Duke William of Normandy in 1066 A.D. Early records, and the church cemetery show bearers of the name in Little Crosby, Lancashire.

Ranesfarte Spelling Variations

Ranesfarte Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Ranesfarte include Rainford, Rainsford, Raynsford, Raynsforde, Reinsford, Reinsforde, Raynesford, Rainesford, Rainesforde, Ranford, Ranforde, Randsford, Randford, Randeford and many more.

Ranesfarte Early History

Ranesfarte Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ranesfarte research. Another 403 words (29 lines of text) covering the years 1150, 1469, 1933, 1605, 1680, 1660, 1663, 1632, 1690, 1652, 1709, 1700 and 1701 are included under the topic Early Ranesfarte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ranesfarte Early Notables (pre 1700)

Ranesfarte Early Notables (pre 1700)

Distinguished members of the family include Sir John Raynsford of Essex; John Raynsford, an English politician, Member of Parliament (MP) for Colchester during the 16th century; and Sir Richard Rainsford SL (1605-1680), an English judge and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1660 and 1663...

Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ranesfarte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ranesfarte In Ireland

Ranesfarte In Ireland

Some of the Ranesfarte family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Ranesfarte were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Edward Rainsford and his wife, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1630; Captain Rainford, who settled in Jamaica in 1774, with his wife and three children.

The Ranesfarte Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Ranesfarte Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.